The cold and dark of winter produces a number of common ailments.

As modern medicine has no cure for many of these, people have to find various ways of controlling the symptoms.

For common colds, coughs and catarrh, paracetamol or ibuprofen is very effective in controlling the feverishness and headaches and cough mixture will give temporary relief.

The natural way to prevent colds, coughs and chest infections is to build up your own resistance and avoid exposure to overcrowded areas, excessive heating indoors or cold winds. I have often suggested chyavanprash (Energy Plus) as the best natural fortifier against winter ailments. It can be given to children safely in quarter to half the adult dose.

Try this Ayurvedic herbal tea for colds, coughs, chest infection, sinus congestion and headaches:

Take one teaspoon of dried crushed basil leaves (or five to ten fresh leaves) and steep in a pint of hot water in a teapot. Add half a teaspoon of ginger powder, one eighth teaspoon of black pepper, a quarter teaspoon of peppermint, a dash of rock salt and a teaspoon of honey. Squeeze some fresh lemon into the tea. Drink this four or five times a day. This can be given to toddlers and children in diluted form.

Another excellent herbal mixture for dry or catarrhal coughs and sore throats is sitopaladi made from baboo gum extract, long pepper and cardamom in sugar.

Long pepper contains a natural steroidal component which helps prevent wheezing and relieves inflammation in the throat, sinuses and chest. It is a bit sharp so is taken mixed with honey and licked a little at a time. It is quite safe and can be given to children in diluted form using twice as much honey.

To clear sinuses and relieve headache, inhale steam from boiling tea leaves mixed with fresh root ginger, black pepper and basil leaves. Drink the tea to follow. Massage the face and sinuses with mahanarayan oil.

Chronically blocked and painful nasal passages can be cleared by using a steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil. Shadbindu herbal nasal drops will heal and soothe the inflamed lining, as will drops of warm ghee (clarified butter) in the nasal passages. Ghee is particularly safe and soothing for babies and toddlers and will heal the painful, cracked skin of the nose.

There are many strong compound Ayurvedic formulations made from minerals such as zinc, copper and magnesium and herbs such as adhatoda vesica which can help asthma and chronic bronchitis but these require supervision from a qualified practitioner.

Dr Milind Jani works as a conventional and holistic GP and Dr Asmita Jani as Ayurvedic Consultant from 3 Eaton Gardens, Hove.

Call them on: 01273 777448 or email: milind.jani@ntlworld.com